Taste the difference! Wine dinners a great way to savour a vintage’s subtleties

Do you relish those moments when you can sit down to enjoy a glass of premium wine, quality single malt Scotch, a refreshing gin cocktail or a flavourful craft beer?

Adding in food pairings can allow you to enjoy the subtleties of your beverage, while getting together to compare notes on such things adds yet another element to the overall experience.

On March 7 you’ve got a chance to do just that, at a tasting dinner hosted by Beacon Landing Liquor & More. It features a four-course meal prepared by the Spitfire Grill kitchen and four different pinot noirs to savour by Enrico Winery. It’s a great chance to share your appreciation for good wine and good food, says Rob Pemberton, director of operations for Liquor & More.

“It’s our first winemakers’ dinner for our Wine Club members,” he says, noting that the wines being paired with the courses are a charme de l’Ile, a blanc de noir, a traditional pinot and a rosé. If you’re not already a club member at Beacon Landing, you can sign up here for free to be eligible to attend. Tickets are $55.

You’ll find quality on the shelf

If you’re a fan of unique brands, you may have already discovered Beacon Landing’s cross-section of rare and fine wines and Scotches. At this boutique-style store on Beacon Avenue, you’ll not only find a wide selection, but knowledgeable staff well versed in the latest trends and the many domestic and international varietals to be found on their impressive fine wine wall.

“We’re very proud of that wall,” Rob says, noting that you’ll find everything from older vintages to rare European wines at any given time.

For Scotch drinkers lucky enough to catch him in store, you’ll want to check in with Rob, a member of the Sidney chapter of The Companions of the Quaich, Canada’s best-known malt whisky appreciation society.

Here’s others ways to gain added value:

Order from home With free delivery available within a five-kilometre radius of the store, you can make your purchases from the comfort of your home

Supporting local You’ll find many familiar brands here, from spirits by Sidney-based Victoria Distillers to locally produced wines and craft beers

Join the club! Not only does the Beacon Landing Liquor & More Wine Club give locals a chance to attend special dinners, you’ll get first crack at the latest small-batch wine releases, plus rare and exclusive vintages when they come in